Rubio Advocates for U.S. Airstrikes Against Iran-Backed Houthis

Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that U.S. airstrikes against Iran-backed Houthis are aimed at protecting global shipping. He emphasized the necessity of these operations and classified them as long-term efforts, contrasting them with previous responses to Houthi provocations. The strikes follow a significant escalation in Houthi attacks, particularly affecting shipping routes in the Red Sea.

In a recent statement, Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that U.S. airstrikes against the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen are intended to dismantle their capacity to threaten global shipping and U.S. military forces. He declared, “We are doing the entire world a favor by getting rid of these guys and their ability to strike global shipping.” The mission will persist until the threat is neutralized.

President Trump announced the initiation of the strikes, committing to employ “overwhelming lethal force” to deter further attacks from the Houthis on shipping. Confirmation of the strikes came from U.S. Central Command, which indicated that operations could extend over weeks depending on the Houthis’ response. In January, President Trump had re-designated the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization after they had been removed from that designation by the previous administration due to humanitarian concerns.

The Houthis have posed a significant threat by disrupting essential maritime routes in the Red Sea. Recently, they declared intentions to target Israeli vessels in retaliation for aid blockages to Gaza. Although the previous administration engaged in selective strikes against Houthi-held areas, Rubio underlined that the current campaign is sustained and not merely a reactively punitive measure, stating, “This is not a message. This is an effort to deny them the ability to continue to constrict and control shipping.”

Rubio indicated that in the past 18 months, Houthis have attacked 174 U.S. naval vessels and 145 commercial ships, comparing them to a pirate faction wielding advanced anti-ship weaponry. He remarked, “That is just not sustainable.” When questioned about the duration of the military campaign, he confirmed it would persist until the Houthis are deprived of their offensive capabilities but noted no plans for ground assaults at this time.

Asserting the need for decisive action, Rubio remarked on the impact of the strikes, indicating that significant figures tied to missile operations have been neutralized. He confidently stated, “We’re not going to have people sitting around with missiles attacking the U.S. Navy. It’s not going to happen. Not under President Trump.”

The article highlights Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s firm stance on the necessity of U.S. airstrikes against Houthi rebels to safeguard global shipping from escalating threats. Rubio asserts the importance of ongoing operations, framing them not just as reactions but as a long-term mission to eradicate the Houthi threat. Furthermore, he emphasizes the disruptions caused by the Houthis and the importance of maintaining maritime security.

Original Source: www.cbsnews.com